Corymbia's Arc

Chapter 3 of 3

Corymbia walked beyond the thorny borders of her sanctuary grove. She needed to understand the swamp better—to find where young Deku spirits might be hiding and what dangers they faced. Her wooden feet splashed through shallow water as she moved between twisted trees. The Swamp of Secrets stretched wide in all directions, full of hidden places where frightened spirits could grow lost and alone. She spotted movement near a cluster of ancient roots. A hollow space gaped beneath them, dark and dry. This was the kind of shelter a young spirit might seek. Corymbia marked the spot in her memory. When she found the young ones, she would bring them back to her grove where they would be truly safe. The swamp held many such refuges, but none offered the protection and care her sanctuary would provide. She turned back toward the great tree, ready to prepare for their arrival. She needed to find others who understood spirit care. Corymbia pushed through tangled vines until she discovered a small building nestled between gnarled roots. The tea house looked welcoming despite its weathered bark walls. Mushrooms grew along the doorframe in bright clusters. She stepped inside and found clay cups steaming on a low table. The air smelled of herbs and damp earth. Books lined the walls, their spines marked with symbols she recognized. This was where swamp folk gathered to share what they knew about the spirits who lived here. Corymbia sat and pulled a book from the nearest shelf. The pages showed drawings of young Deku spirits at different stages of growth. Notes filled the margins in careful handwriting. She learned about root diseases and how to spot them early. Another page explained which berries helped spirits recover from weakness. Each piece of knowledge felt like a gift. The swamp folk who came here understood that young spirits needed specific care to survive. They had been watching and learning for generations. She closed the book and stood. A weathered stone marker caught her eye through the doorway, half-hidden in moss. She walked to it and traced the carved arrow pointing left. Ancient Deku sanctuary symbols covered the lower portion. These markers had guided others before her to places of safety and learning. Corymbia followed the arrow deeper into the swamp until she found what it promised—a tall effigy wrapped in hanging moss. A bright orange and blue frog sat on its wooden shoulder. The carved figure stood twice her height, strong and complete. This was proof that Deku spirits could grow to full strength when given proper shelter and care. Her sanctuary could create guardians like this one. The swamp had shown her everything she needed to succeed.